Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing mounting pressure from city officials and the public regarding her administration's approach to public safety. Seattle City Council Public Safety Chair Bob Kettle has explicitly called for Wilson to present a comprehensive public safety plan, stating that the executive side of the city government currently lacks one. This criticism comes in the wake of a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival on July 26, which resulted in three fatalities and at least four injuries, sending hundreds of attendees fleeing.
Further intensifying scrutiny, a shootout occurred in West Seattle's Alki neighborhood on a Friday morning, where over 70 shots were fired without any reported injuries. Adding to the concern, police disclosed that nearby public surveillance cameras were inoperable at the time of the incident.
"We are at an inflection point, at this point, and partly because it's not January anymore. We're well into the start of the mayor's administration," Kettle stated in an interview. "We have to have a plan. Right now, we don't have one on the executive side. We do on the legislative side; by the way, we've had it for two and a half years, and we just need to have this comprehensive approach."
Kettle's remarks highlight a perceived gap in the mayor's administration's public safety strategy, contrasting it with the legislative side's existing proposals. Polling indicates that Seattle residents have given Mayor Wilson a 37 percent favorability rating and a D+ grade on public safety. This criticism follows similar sentiments from Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, who reportedly condemned Wilson's handling of the July mass shooting. Additionally, a local couple has filed a recall charge against the mayor, citing her alleged dereliction of duty concerning the city's public safety.
In response to the criticism, Wilson assured that public safety is a high priority for her office and that her administration is working on multiple fronts. "Ultimately, I'm going to be judged by my results, and I'm looking forward to that. You know, we are working hard on many fronts," she said.
The Office of the Inspector General is undertaking an independent review of Wilson's administration and the city's response to the recent mass shooting. Kettle noted that this investigation encompasses not only the Seattle Police Department but also the Mayor's Office and other city agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management.
Governor Ferguson's criticism reportedly stemmed from Wilson's participation in a hastily convened Zoom call for state leaders after the mass shooting. Reports indicate Wilson declined to turn on her camera or speak during the virtual meeting. A Freedom of Information Act request for records of the call from Ferguson's office resulted in a claim that no recording exists.
Beyond public safety concerns, Wilson has also faced criticism regarding her handling of Seattle's homelessness crisis and her stances on business matters. Business leaders have expressed concern over her proposals for a wealth tax and new business taxes, with early remarks from Wilson suggesting that such concerns might be "overblown" and that those who disagree could "bye!" This has led to apprehension that Seattle's status as a business hub could be jeopardized.